IBD Tied to Preeclampsia Risk in Past Study
Pregnancies affected by inflammatory bowel disease faced a higher risk of preeclampsia than those without the condition.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Pregnancy
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A study published in the September issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. The analysis examined thousands of deliveries between 1998 and 2016 to better understand how chronic intestinal inflammation impacts pregnancy outcomes.
Why it matters
Understanding this association helps pregnant individuals with IBD work with their care teams to identify necessary screenings and monitoring. Distinguishing between general hypertensive disorders and preeclampsia-specific risk is vital for managing prenatal care effectively.
In a cohort study of 364 IBD pregnancies and 45,048 without, researchers found an adjusted odds ratio of 1.65 for preeclampsia. The study also identified higher odds for preterm delivery, small for gestational age births, and cesarean sections among those with IBD.
The players
American Journal of Gastroenterology
A leading medical journal that publishes peer-reviewed research on digestive health and clinical outcomes.
The details
The study utilized electronic health records to compare outcomes between individuals with and without inflammatory bowel disease. While the data indicated a link to preeclampsia, researchers found no significant association between IBD and gestational hypertension, suggesting the increased risk is specific to certain hypertensive complications of pregnancy.
Timeline
* Data covers singleton pregnancies delivered between 1998 and 2016.
* Results were published in the September 2026 issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Health Landscape
This study adds to the growing body of literature within the American Journal of Gastroenterology that defines pregnancy risks for patients with chronic conditions. It clarifies the scope of hypertensive disorders for IBD patients, separating specific preeclampsia risk from general hypertension.
If you have inflammatory bowel disease and are pregnant or planning to be, discuss these specific findings with your obstetrician or maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Monitoring protocols may be adjusted to account for higher risks of preeclampsia and preterm delivery.
The takeaway
While the overall risk for hypertensive disorders did not increase, the specific association with preeclampsia underscores the need for vigilant care during pregnancy. Speak with your healthcare provider about tailoring your prenatal monitoring plan if you have a diagnosis of IBD.
Further reading
For more on managing health throughout your term, visit the Pregnancy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Endocrinology Advisor.
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